CW: Death
Plans are underway to allow disabled people to remain in their wheelchairs while flying on commercial airlines. A Delta Air Lines subsidiary is seeking Federal Aviation Administration permission for a seat set up that will accommodate a traveler in a wheelchair, according to a company representative.
Delta Flight Products, a Delta division that develops airplane interiors for airlines throughout the world, has shown off concepts for redesigned First Class and economy cabin seats at industry events in the last two years. Both seats may be placed without lowering the number of seats on the plane, and they are intended to give passengers with disabilities with amenities similar to those found in standard seats.
The United States Department of Transportation told Disability Scoop in October that the FAA is investigating whether commercial aircraft can safely accept wheelchair passengers, with a judgment on feasibility likely by the end of next year. At this time, the agency stated that no big concerns have arisen, and solutions to smaller ones are in the works.
The Transportation Department will also perform an economic impact analysis on accommodating wheelchairs on airplanes before deciding whether to propose a rule to make this a reality.
According to officials, the applications submitted to the FAA are just the beginning of what will most certainly be a lengthy process. “Delta Flight Products’ applications, which could ultimately enable this first-of-its-kind seat to be installed on an aircraft, are a remarkable milestone in the industry’s journey to make travel more inclusive for all,” according to a statement from the carrier. “Delta has long pioneered efforts to increase air travel accessibility and will continue to invest in technology and innovation to support all our customers.”
“This has been a 15-year journey that we have worked so hard to see come closer to fruition,” said Michelle Erwin, CEO of All Wheels Up, a nonprofit that funds research on adding wheelchair spots to commercial aircraft. “There is still work to be done, but it’s not a question of why or how anymore, it’s a question of when.”
Disabled people worldwide face challenges when traveling on airplanes. In 2022, US airlines damaged 11,389 wheelchairs and scooters. For wheelchair users, this damage is more than a minor inconvenience.
Wheelchairs are often custom-made to fit their users. An ill-fitting wheelchair can have devastating consequences. In 2021, Engracia Figueroa died after developing a pressure sore, which subsequently became infected. She developed the sore after using a wheelchair that was loaned to her after her wheelchair was damaged by United Airlines.
Although wheelchairs are frequently damaged by all of the major airlines, American Airlines is among the worst when it comes to the number of mishandled devices. A Transportation Department official stated that from 2019 to 2023, American Airlines had the second-highest mishandling rate and the second-highest number of reported mishandlings per year.
Everyone should be able to take a flight safely. Air travel should be accessible for people with various disabilities. We shouldn’t have to risk our lives to fly on an airplane either.
Sources:
Brooks, Laken. “Disability Advocate Engracia Figueroa Died after an Airline Damaged Her Wheelchair.” Forbes, 9 Nov. 2021, https://www.forbes.com/sites/lakenbrooks/2021/11/08/disability-advocate-engracia-figueroa-died-after-an-airline-damaged-her-wheelchair/?sh=722eb0f310d7.
Diament, Michelle. “Feds Crack down on Airline Mistreatment of Passengers with Disabilities.” Disability Scoop, Disability Scoop, 24 Oct. 2024, http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/10/24/feds-crack-down-on-airline-mistreatment-of-passengers-with-disabilities/31128/.
Heasley, Shaun. “Delta Seeks Approval for Seats to Accommodate Wheelchairs in Flight.” Disability Scoop, Disability Scoop, 5 Nov. 2024, http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/11/05/delta-seeks-approval-for-seats-to-accommodate-wheelchairs-in-flight/31146/.
Helsel, Phil. “American Airlines Fined $50M for Violating Disability Laws.” NBC News NBCUniversal News Group, 23 Oct. 2024, http://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna176717.
Sampson, Hannah. “Delta Unveils First Wheelchair-Friendly Seat.” The Washington Post, 14 June 2023, http://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2023/06/06/delta-wheelchair-seat/.